Transgenic Approach to Color Cotton Fibers

A potential method of modifying cotton fiber color without the need for dyeing was recently described by Chinese researchers. Using redesigned genes from Streptomyces antibioticus for melanin biosynthesis, the group of X. Xu observed that cotton fiber color can be modified from white to brown.

The researchers used dORF438 and dtyrA gene sequences for transforming the cotton cultivar ‘Xinluzao 6’. These genes have been identified to be important in the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme needed in melanin biosynthesis. The T1 transgenic plants were analyzed for melanin production and fiber color by observing epidermal cells under a microscope and by using a colorimeter system, respectively.

Xu and colleagues have also determined that the dORF438 and dtyrA genes also work when introduced to tobacco. The transgenic ‘Shan Xi Yan’ tobacco cultivar was found to exhibit melanin in its trichomes.

The abstract, with links to the full article can be accessed by subscribers at
http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-2006-924346